This course follows the history of the Baekje Royal family who left their kingdom on the Korean peninsula when it was destroyed about 1,300 years ago. King Teika, Queen Shigino, Prince Fukuchi and his younger brother traveled to Takanabe town by ship. Queen Shigino lived in Takanabe town and Prince Fukuchi lived in Kijo town. Both became respected by local people. The town was named Shigino after the queen. After she died, she was enshrined in Otoshi Shrine. Prince Fukuchi was enshrined to Hiki shrine in Kijo town. Today, a local festival called Otoshi-kudari is held every November, when it is believed that Queen Shigino and Prince Fukuchi can meet due to their deep family bond.

Course Details

Hiki Shrine　→　Joyama Park(3.4km)　→　Kijo Onsen-kan Yurara(0.8km)　→　Mochida ancient mass tomb(5.9km)　→　Takanabe Daishi(0.7km)　→　Otoshi Shrine(2.6km)　→　Shigino-no-hama(0.9km)

1.Hiki Shrine
Hiki Shrine is said to have been founded 1,800 years ago. Prince Fukuchi, a member of the Baekje Royal family, is enshrined here. Baekje was an ancient kingdom of southwest Korea that ruled from the first to seventh century BC.
2.Joyama Park
Honmaru, the area in the center of the castle grounds within the inner moat, was built in the Sengoku period (1467–1615). Located on high land, about 60m above the surrounding area, it is now used as a park. We are not able to see the honmaru of the castle however, a melody clock tower designed like the castle tower is built and is a great view point from which to see all of Kijo’s downtown area.
3.Kijo Onsen-kan Yurara
This onsen hot spring has water with weak alkaline properties that are gentle on skin. It is good for all, from babies to the elderly. There is a footbath and a shop on the premises where you can buy many goods.
Business Hours: 10:00–21:00 (last entrance at 20:30)
4.Mochida ancient mass tomb
This site is home to 85 tombs of varying size that are believed to have been built in the fifth and sixth century BC. Interesting tombs include the Ishifune mound with exposed stone coffins, the Hakari-zuka tomb that is 120m diameter, and the Hotate-kaizuka tombs called Kame-zuka tombs because of their turtle shape.
5.Takanabe Daishi
To console the souls of those in the Mochida ancient tombs, Yasukichi Iwaoka carved more than 700 stone statues, some of which are more than 6 meters tall. From the top of the hill in the northern part of Takanabe town, you can enjoy the picturesque view of the Hyuga-nada coast.
6.Otoshi Shrine
Queen Shigino, the mother of Prince Fukuchi, is enshrined here, so there is a strong tie between Otoshi Shrine and Hiki Shrine. The Akizuki clan in the Takanebe domain (modern-day Miyazaki Prefecture) worshipped here.
7.Shigino-no-hama
Rare species of salty plants called hamabo grow at the estuary of the Komaru river. The sight of their growth is one of Takanabe town’s unique seascapes.